A Courageous Struggle for Sexual Identity

Lynn Conway’s courageous story of her life before and after gender reassignment offered thoughtful insight into a misunderstood and often ill-reported situation (“Through the Gender Labyrinth,” by Michael A. Hiltzik, Nov. 19). By sharing her private struggles and ultimate joys, Conway has enlightened the public and given much-needed hope to other individuals who are struggling with their sexual identities. The transgender community is rarely seen in such a fair and accurate manner. Conway deserves our thanks, as does reporter Hiltzik.

Scott Seomin

Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

Los Angeles

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What amazes me about Lynn Conway is that she did not allow her personal agonies to get in the way of professional excellence and that she managed her incredibly difficult life changes without compromising her formidable intellect. Her story is altogether heroic. Thanks for publishing it.

Robert Goyette

Rolling Hills Estates

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Once again we are plunged into the eerily complex world of human sexuality. We accept other forms of physical alterations, from breast augmentation to penile enlargement. Why not sex reassignment? One has to admire the compelling struggle endured by Robert in his long path to personal fulfillment as Lynn--a struggle that would have been much easier if society had not stigmatized his choice. Perhaps we need to rethink our notions of males and females and allow that people have the right to make choices that, while not always understandable to the world at large, are correct for them.

Virginia Uribe

Friends of Project 10

Pasadena

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How sad! To try to be something you are not!

Kathryn D. Fonteno

South Pasadena